Springfield, Ohio (April 19, 2003) - Kyle Jones, one of Ohio’s
brightest young racing stars, has had his career put on hold as a result
of a serious liver ailment. The 18-year-old Jones, a senior at Shawnee
High School in Springfield, was transported via helicopter from a local
hospital to the Ohio State University Medical Center on April 9.
Doctors at OSU diagnosed Jones with a hereditary form of liver
cirrhosis. An emergency operation was needed Friday to control bleeding.
Surgeons placed a shunt bypass in his liver at that time. Kyle is now
resting and doing well, although he will require a transplant. He has
been placed on a donor list.
"The doctors tell me once the transplant is done, I can resume my
racing career," said Jones from his hospital room Sunday night. "I just
want to thank all the fans, officials and drivers from the tracks where
we race for the concern shown to me and my family during this time. I
plan to resume my racing career as soon as possible."
Jones has had a great start to his racing career, winning races on
just about every track he has raced on. The 2003 season was set to be a
break-out year for Jones, who teamed up with car owner Jeff Miller of
Columbus to run a variety of late model racing series in the Midwest.
The team was planning on several starts in ASA, Sunoco Super Series and
the Main Event tour. In addition, Jones planned to race his family’s
EMOD at events in the tri-state.
Jones expects to be released from the OSU Medical Center later this
week, and then begin his wait for the transplant. Cards and well wishes
can be mailed to:
Kyle Jones
Ohio State University Medical Center
Doan Hall RM903
410 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210.
